DE102022202713B3 - Method for operating a hearing aid and hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a hearing aid (2), which has a housing (10) which is designed for insertion into an external auditory canal and which has a proximal side (12) and a distal side opposite the proximal side (12). (14), wherein the proximal side (12) is designed to align with an eardrum, which has a proximal input transducer (16) on the proximal side (12) of the housing (10) and on the distal side (14) of the housing (10) has a distal input transducer (18), which has an output transducer (20) on the proximal side (12) of the housing, which has an adjustable vent (22) which passes through the housing (10), and which has a control and evaluation unit (24), wherein an adjustment process for adjusting the vent (22) is carried out and in the course of the adjustment process a set of transfer functions is determined by means of the control and evaluation unit (24), which has at least two transfer functions, namely a distal transfer function , which maps a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the distal input transducer (18), and a proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the proximal input transducer (16).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a hearing aid. The invention also relates to a hearing aid.

Hearing aids are typically referred to as classic hearing aids that are used to provide care for people who are hard of hearing. In a broader sense, however, this term also refers to devices that are designed to support people with normal hearing. Hearing aids to support people with normal hearing are also known as “Personal Sound Amplification Products” or “Personal Sound Amplification Devices” (“PSAD” for short). In contrast to classic hearing aids, such hearing aids are not intended to compensate for hearing loss, but are used specifically to support and improve normal human hearing in specific hearing situations.

Regardless of the intended purpose, hearing aids usually have at least one input transducer, a signal processing device and an output transducer as essential components. The at least one input transducer is generally formed by an acousto-electrical transducer, for example by a microphone, or by an electromagnetic receiver, for example an induction coil. In many cases, several input transducers are also installed, for example one or more acousto-electric transducers and an electromagnetic receiver. An electro-acoustic transducer is usually used as the output transducer, for example a miniature loudspeaker (which is also referred to as a "receiver"), or an electromechanical transducer, for example a bone conduction receiver. The signal processing device is usually formed by an electronic circuit implemented on a printed circuit board and, independently of this, usually has an amplifier.

Furthermore, when it comes to hearing aids, a distinction is typically made between two basic types of designs. Hearing aids of one basic type are called behind-the-ear hearing aids, or BTE hearing aids for short, and hearing aids of the other basic type are called in-the-ear hearing aids, or ITE hearing aids for short. In addition to a main module that is worn behind the ear, BTE hearing aids have an ear piece connected to the main module and intended for placement in an external auditory canal. With ITE hearing aids, on the other hand, the hearing aid as a whole is inserted into an external ear canal for use.

So that air can still be exchanged between the ear canal and the environment even when the earpiece or hearing aid is inserted, corresponding earpieces or hearing aids in some cases have a so-called vent. This is a hole or a channel that passes through the earpiece or the ITE hearing aid and through which an exchange of air and thus, in particular, pressure equalization can take place.

Possible versions of hearing aids with such a vent are, for example, from US 2020 / 0 260 197 A1 , the US 2013/0 243 209 A1 and the DE 10 2009 010 603 A1 refer to.

A corresponding vent has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, a suitable vent can be used to reduce the risk of inflammation in the ear canal. In addition, so-called occlusion effects, which are typically perceived as unpleasant, can be reduced or avoided. On the other hand, sound waves generated by the hearing aid and emitted into the ear canal can also escape through a corresponding vent. Therefore, lower frequencies in particular usually have to be delivered into the ear canal in an additional amplified manner.

In addition, an appropriate vent enables or increases unwanted feedback.

Based on this, the invention is based on the object of specifying an advantageous method for operating a hearing aid and an advantageously designed hearing aid.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1 and by a hearing aid with the features of claim 12. Preferred developments are contained in the related claims. The advantages and preferred embodiments mentioned with regard to the method can also be applied to the hearing aid and vice versa.

The method according to the invention is used to operate a hearing aid, in particular a classic hearing aid, and is accordingly designed for this purpose. Conversely, a hearing aid according to the invention is preferably designed as a classic hearing aid and is set up in such a way that the method according to the invention can be carried out and is also carried out in at least one operating mode.

Here, the hearing aid has a housing which is designed for insertion into a user's external auditory canal and which has a proximal side and a distal side opposite the proximal side. The proximal side is then designed to align with an eardrum and accordingly the housing is then typically arranged after insertion into an external auditory canal in such a way that the proximal side faces an eardrum and the distal side faces outwards, i.e. from the external auditory canal.

Depending on the application, the hearing aid is designed as a behind-the-ear hearing aid, or BTE hearing aid for short, or as an in-the-ear hearing aid, or ITE hearing aid for short. If the hearing aid is designed as a BTE hearing aid, the aforementioned housing is then part of an earpiece which is connected to a main module. That main module expediently also has a housing. If, on the other hand, the hearing aid is designed as an ITE hearing aid, the aforementioned housing is a housing that closes off the entire hearing aid from the outside.

Independently of this, the hearing aid has a proximal input transducer on the proximal side of the housing and a distal input transducer on the distal side of the housing. Each of these input transducers is used to generate electrical input signals based on acoustic input signals that impinge on the hearing aid. For this purpose, each input transducer expediently has an acousto-electrical transducer, i.e. in particular at least one microphone. The electrical input signals generated by the proximal input transducer are hereinafter referred to as proximal input signals and the electrical input signals generated by the distal input transducer are hereinafter referred to as distal input signals.

The hearing aid also has an output transducer on the proximal side of the housing. This is used to generate acoustic output signals based on electrical output signals and expediently has an electro-acoustic converter, for example a loudspeaker. The electrical output signals are hereinafter referred to as output signals for short.

The input converters and the output converter are supplemented by a signal processing device, which is designed and set up to generate electrical output signals based on electrical input signals. During operation of the hearing aid, the distal input signals generated by the distal input transducer are then typically processed in the signal processing device, with output signals being generated based on the distal input signals. The output transducer ultimately generates acoustic output signals based on these (electrical) output signals and emits them on the output side of the hearing aid, in particular into an external auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer or user. In this way, amplification is typically realized according to a principle known per se.

Furthermore, the hearing aid has a vent described above, which passes through the aforementioned housing. The vent is designed as an adjustable vent, i.e. as a vent with changeable or adjustable geometric parameters. In particular, an opening cross-section of the vent can be changed. Such an adjustable vent is sometimes referred to as a controllable, active or adaptive vent.

According to the invention, the hearing aid also has a control and evaluation unit and is set up to carry out an adjustment process for adjusting the vent in at least one operating mode. In the course of the setting process, a set of transfer functions is determined by means of the control and evaluation unit, which has at least two transfer functions, namely a distal transfer function, which represents a signal path from the output transducer to the distal input transducer, and a proximal transfer function, which has a signal path from the output transducer to the proximal Input converter depicts.

The determined set of transfer functions is then typically further evaluated in the control and evaluation unit and based on this evaluation, a suitable setting for the vent is then preferably determined, the setting of the vent being adjusted if the suitable setting determined does not correspond to the current setting. This means that at least one geometric parameter of the vent is then changed.

To determine each transfer function, two signals are preferably compared with one another. In the case of the distal transfer function, the current distal input signal and the current output signal are expediently compared with one another and in the case of the proximal transfer function, the current proximal input signal and the current output signal are compared with one another. More preferably, each transfer function is a mapping function. In this case it is useful to form the distal transfer function maps the current output signal to the current distal input signal and the proximal transfer function maps the current output signal to the current proximal input signal.

Another advantage is an embodiment in which the set of transfer functions has a first distal transfer function, which maps a signal path from the output transducer to the distal input transducer when the vent is completely open, and a second distal transfer function, which represents a signal path from the output transducer to the distal input transducer when the vent is completely closed depicts.

The two distal transfer functions are expediently determined one after the other, with the setting of the vent being changed between the determination of the first distal transfer function and the determination of the second distal transfer function. The vent is then completely opened once, namely during the determination of the first distal transfer function, and once completely closed, namely during the determination of the second distal transfer function, which takes place before or after the determination of the first distal transfer function.

Regardless of this, the two settings fully open and fully closed represent two extremes with regard to the geometric parameters of the vent, and in particular two extremes with regard to the opening cross section of the vent.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one distal transfer function is determined for the set of transfer functions, which represents a signal path from the output transducer to the distal input transducer with a partially open vent, i.e. with a setting between the two extremes.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the set of transfer functions has a first proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer to the proximal input transducer when the vent is fully open, and a second proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer to the proximal input transducer when the vent is fully closed.

The two proximal transfer functions are expediently determined one after the other, with the setting of the vent being changed between the determination of the first proximal transfer function and the determination of the second proximal transfer function. The vent is then completely opened once, namely during the determination of the first proximal transfer function, and once completely closed, namely during the determination of the second proximal transfer function, which takes place before or after the determination of the first proximal transfer function.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one proximal transfer function is determined for the set of transfer functions, which represents a signal path from the output transducer to the proximal input transducer with a partially open vent, i.e. with a setting between the two extremes.

An embodiment in which the set of transfer functions has a distal-proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the distal input transducer to the proximal input transducer is also advantageous. To determine this distal-proximal transfer function, the current distal input signal and the current proximal input signal are typically compared with one another and the distal-proximal transfer function preferably maps the current distal input signal to the current proximal input signal.

In an advantageous further development, the set of transfer functions has a first distal-proximal transfer function, which represents a signal path from the distal input transducer to the proximal input transducer when the vent is fully open, and a second distal-proximal transfer function, which represents a signal path from the distal input transducer to the proximal input transducer when the vent is completely closed Vent depicts.

The two distal-proximal transfer functions are expediently determined one after the other, with the setting of the vent being changed between the determination of the first distal-proximal transfer function and the determination of the second distal-proximal transfer function. The vent is then completely opened once, namely during the determination of the first distal-proximal transfer function, and once completely closed, namely during the determination of the second distal-proximal transfer function, which takes place before or after the determination of the first distal-proximal transfer function.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one distal-proximal transfer function is determined for the set of transfer functions, which partially maps a signal path from the distal input transducer to the proximal input transducer open vent, i.e. with a setting between the two extremes.

As already indicated previously, a control signal is expediently generated during the setting process by means of the control and evaluation unit based on the set of transfer functions. This means that typically the transfer functions of the set of transfer functions are evaluated and that a control signal is generated based on this evaluation. The hearing aid is then further preferably set up in such a way that an adjustment device of the vent is controlled by this control signal, so that at least one geometric parameter of the vent is automatically adjusted by the adjustment device.

By means of such a control signal, the at least one geometric parameter is then expediently either changed or left unchanged. If the control signal corresponds to a voltage, for example, voltage values of non-zero and zero are possible, with the at least one geometric parameter then being changed at a voltage not equal to zero and remaining unchanged at a voltage equal to zero. According to an alternative, the control signal is given by a voltage, with the at least one geometric parameter being changed in the event of a change in the voltage and remaining unchanged when the voltage is constant.

Depending on the application, different versions are provided for the adjustment device of the vent. In principle, all versions are useful that can be controlled via a control signal, in particular an electrical signal described above, in which at least one geometric parameter of a vent can be changed by means of a control signal. Examples of such designs can be found in the prior art.

For example, versions in which the setting device has a piezo crystal unit whose expansion can be varied by an applied voltage are also useful. That piezo crystal unit then serves, for example, to move a closure element, for example a closure element with a conical basic geometry. Alternatively, the piezo crystal unit itself serves as a closure element and, depending on the state, protrudes at least partially into the vent and thus at least partially closes the vent. In both cases, the effective opening cross section of the vent can be adjusted variably by varying the voltage.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least three settings can be specified with the setting device of the vent, namely a setting in which the vent is completely open, a setting in which the vent is completely closed, and at least one setting in which the Vent is partially open. Further preferably, at least three and in particular at least five distinguishable settings can be specified, in which the vent is partially opened, but in which, in particular, different opening cross sections are realized.

It is also useful if a reference function is specified for each transfer function in the set of transfer functions. In this case, a control signal is then preferably generated during the setting process by means of the control and evaluation unit in such a way that the transfer functions, i.e. the current transfer functions, at least approach their reference functions.

According to at least one embodiment, the hiring process is also designed as a regular process. This is particularly advantageous if, as stated above, an approximation of the transfer functions to reference functions is provided. In this case, a gradual or continuous approximation of the transfer functions of the set of transfer functions to their reference functions is then preferably realized by means of the control process. Depending on the application, a corresponding control process runs permanently in the background, for example. Alternatively, it is ensured that the control process ends according to a specification, for example after a predetermined number of control loops or control cycles or, for example, after a predetermined period of time.

In particular, if the setting process described above is not a regular process that runs permanently in the background, it is also advantageous if several setting processes are carried out automatically. The recruitment processes are conveniently timed. It is important to remember that when wearing the hearing aid, the fit of the hearing aid sometimes changes over time, so that the fit is sometimes more and sometimes less good. Since the seat influences the transfer functions, it is then advisable to repeat the adjustment process at certain intervals, unless this is carried out permanently as a regular process.

According to an advantageous development, the time intervals between the setting processes are automatically adjusted, for example to an energy consumption tax tion. If, for example, several operating modes are provided for the hearing aid, in which different specifications exist with regard to the maximum permissible consumption of electrical energy, the frequency of the setting processes is specified depending on these operating modes.

According to a further embodiment variant, the setting process is carried out automatically once each time the hearing aid is switched on.

Alternatively or additionally, the hearing aid is set up to start the adjustment process manually. This means that the setting process can be started, for example, using a button and/or a remote control and is also started when pressed accordingly.

Independently of this, the previously described setting process further preferably serves to implement a presetting of the vent for other processes or algorithms, in particular for processes or algorithms that run permanently in the background or are permanently executed during operation of the hearing aid or at least in an operating mode of the hearing aid.

An example of such a different, further or additional algorithm is a so-called feedback canceller. Such a feedback canceller serves to suppress unwanted feedback, also known as feedback. Acoustic feedback is a common occurrence in hearing aids, especially when they are high gain devices. This feedback usually manifests itself as strong oscillations of a certain frequency and is typically perceived as a whistling sound. This whistling is usually very unpleasant for both the hearing aid wearer and people in their immediate surroundings. Feedback can occur in particular when sound that is picked up via a hearing aid microphone, amplified by a signal amplifier and output via a loudspeaker, also known as a receiver, returns to the microphone and is amplified again.

To dynamically reduce feedback, a number of adaptive algorithms, namely so-called feedback cancellers, have already been developed, which preferably automatically adjust to the respective feedback situation and take appropriate measures. Some of these algorithms make it possible to detect feedback, in particular feedback whistling, for which typically at least one input signal of a microphone is continuously monitored for feedback and in particular feedback oscillations. If feedback and in particular feedback-typical oscillations are detected, for example the hearing aid gain at the corresponding point is reduced to such an extent that the loop gain falls below a critical limit. This gain reduction can be done, for example, by lowering a frequency channel or by activating a suitable narrow-band notch filter. With the feedback cancellers considered here, the adjustable vent is adjusted in addition to or instead of reducing the hearing aid amplification when feedback is detected. The setting process according to the invention described above then serves to realize a presetting of the vent, from which the setting is then carried out by the feedback canceller, i.e. the adjustment depending on the feedback detection.

The presetting is typically carried out in such a way that the vent, i.e. in particular the effective opening cross section of the vent, is set in the course of the setting process to a current base setting or middle position, i.e. dependent on the previously described setting process, from which a further setting, in particular one Fine adjustment takes place depending on at least one further algorithm, for example depending on a previously mentioned feedback canceller.

In brief and simplified terms, the adjustment process according to the invention described here serves to adjust an adjustable vent of a hearing aid. In the course of the adjustment process, a signal analysis is expediently carried out, in which at least the input signals of two microphones of the hearing aid are evaluated, which are located on opposite sides of a housing that can be inserted into an ear canal, i.e. an inner or proximal microphone and an outer or distal microphone.

• - Analyse des (Signal-)Pfades bzw. der Übertragungsfunktion vom äußeren zum inneren Mikrofon
• - Analyse des (Signal-)Pfades bzw. der Übertragungsfunktion vom inneren zum äußeren Mikrofon
• - Analyse des (Signal-)Pfades vom Lautsprecher oder Receiver zum inneren Mikrofon
• - Analyse des (Signal-)Pfades vom Lautsprecher oder Receiver zum äußeren Mikrofon
• - Analyse zumindest eines Signals zumindest eines weiteren Sensors zur Prädiktion von Änderungen, also z.B. eines Bewegungssensors oder Beschleunigungssensors, eines Gyroskops und/oder eines Kompasses etc.

Depending on the design variant, the signal analysis carried out typically includes two or more of the following sub-analyses or analysis areas:

• - Analysis of the (signal) path or the transfer function from the outer to the inner microphone
• - Analysis of the (signal) path or the transfer function from the inner to the outer microphone
• - Analysis of the (signal) path from the speaker or receiver to the inner microphone
• - Analysis of the (signal) path from the speaker or receiver to the external microphone
• - Analysis of at least one signal of at least one further sensor for predicting changes, for example a motion sensor or acceleration sensor, a gyroscope and/or a compass, etc.

A parameter determined and/or evaluated in the course of such an analysis is, for example, the difference in a sound pressure level at the moment of measurement with a proximal and distal microphone in a predetermined frequency band.

Based on the signal analysis carried out, a control signal is then expediently generated with which the vent is controlled and thereby adjusted. This setting preferably serves as a preset of the vent for other processes or algorithms.

This is based in particular on the following idea. Taking into account an audiogram of a hearing aid wearer or patient, the sound pressure level is compared proximally and distally. This is preferably done with the aim of having the same sound pressure level proximally, at least minus the amplification by the hearing aid, and distally. The aim is to achieve the most open listening experience possible, but at the same time sufficient amplification should also be achieved.

A threshold value or threshold is then preferably calculated. This threshold value, for example, is included in the vent control as a “large signal” or offset and is therefore used for presetting. The remaining signal processing/control then preferably takes place around the offset. This means that a basic value for a “middle position” for the vent is preferably found by comparing the sound pressure levels proximally and distally and that all further adaptations continue on the basis of the above-mentioned path measurements.

• 1 in einer Seitenansicht ein Hörgerät mit einem Hauptmodul und einem Ohrstück sowie
• 2 in einer teilweisen Schnittdarstellung das Ohrstück.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below using a schematic drawing. Show in it:

• 1 in a side view a hearing aid with a main module and an earpiece as well
• 2 in a partial sectional view of the ear piece.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures.

One described below as an example and in 1 Hearing aid 2 outlined is designed as a behind-the-ear hearing aid, or BTE hearing aid for short. It has a main module 4, which is designed to be worn behind one ear, and an earpiece 8 connected to the main module 4 via a cable 6.

That ear piece 8 is in 2 shown schematically in a partial sectional view and has a housing 10 which closes the earpiece 8 to the outside and which is designed for insertion into an external auditory canal. The housing 10 further has a proximal side 12 and a distal side 14 opposite the proximal side 12. The proximal side is then designed to align with an eardrum and accordingly the housing 10 is then typically arranged after insertion into an external auditory canal in such a way that the proximal side 12 faces an eardrum and the distal side faces outwards. i.e. from the external auditory canal.

Furthermore, the hearing aid 2 has a proximal input transducer 16 on the proximal side 12 of the housing 10 and a distal input transducer 18 on the distal side 14 of the housing 10. Each of these input transducers serves to generate electrical input signals based on acoustic input signals that impinge on the hearing aid 2. In the exemplary embodiment, each of these input transducers has at least one microphone. The electrical input signals generated by the proximal input transducer 16 are hereinafter referred to as proximal input signals and the electrical input signals generated by the distal input transducer 18 are hereinafter referred to as distal input signals.

In addition, the hearing aid 2 has an output transducer 20 on the proximal side 12 of the housing 10. This is used to generate acoustic output signals based on electrical output signals and in the exemplary embodiment is formed by a loudspeaker. The electrical output signals are hereinafter referred to as output signals for short.

In the exemplary embodiment, a further input converter (not shown) with at least one microphone and a signal processing device (not explicitly shown) are also arranged in the main module 4. By means of the further input converter and the signal processing device, the input signals generated by means of the further input converter are processed in the signal processing device during operation of the hearing aid 2, with output signals being generated based on these input signals. The output converter 20 ultimately generates acoustic output signals based on these (electrical) output signals and outputs them from the output converter 20 Earpiece 8 is delivered, in particular into an external auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer. In this way, amplification is typically realized according to a principle known per se.

Furthermore, the hearing aid 2 has a vent 22, which passes through the aforementioned housing 10 of the earpiece 8. The vent 22 is designed as an active or adjustable vent 22, i.e. as a vent 22 with changeable or adjustable geometric parameters. In this exemplary embodiment, the opening cross-section of the vent 22 can be changed.

In addition, the hearing aid 2 has a control and evaluation unit 24, which is arranged in the earpiece 8. This is set up to carry out an adjustment process for adjusting the vent 22 in at least one operating mode, and for this purpose is connected in terms of signals to both the proximal input transducer 16 and the distal input transducer 18.

In the course of the setting process, a set of transfer functions is determined by means of the control and evaluation unit 24, which includes a distal transfer function, which maps a signal path from the output transducer 20 to the distal input converter 18, and a proximal transfer function, which forms a signal path from the output converter 20 to the proximal input converter 16 depicts.

The determined set of transfer functions is then further evaluated in the control and evaluation unit 24 and based on this evaluation, a suitable setting for the vent 22 is determined. Depending on the determined suitable setting for the vent 22, the control and evaluation unit 24 generates a control signal with which an adjustment device of the vent 22 is controlled.

In the exemplary embodiment, this setting device has a piezo crystal unit 26, the expansion of which can be varied by an applied voltage, i.e. by the control signal from the control and evaluation unit 24. Depending on the state, the piezo crystal unit 26 protrudes at least partially into the vent 22 and thus at least partially closes the vent 22. As a result, the opening cross section of the vent 22 can be adjusted variably by varying the voltage. The two extremes for setting the opening cross section are in 2 indicated. The dashed frame indicates a setting in which the vent 22 is completely closed, and the frame with a solid line indicates a setting in which the vent 22 is completely open. In the exemplary embodiment, several further settings can also be specified in which the vent 22 is partially open

The setting process described above is preferably carried out automatically once each time the hearing aid 2 is switched on. Alternatively or additionally, the hearing aid 2 is set up for a manual start of the setting process. This means that the setting process can be started, for example, via a button (not shown) and/or by means of a remote control (not shown) and is also started when pressed accordingly.

Reference symbol list

2

hearing aid

4

Main module

6

Cable

8th

Ear piece

10

Housing

12

proximal side

14

distal side

16

proximal input transducer

18

distal input transducer

20

Output converter

22

Vent

24

Control and evaluation unit

26

Piezo crystal unit

Claims (12)

Method for operating a hearing aid (2), which - has a housing (10) which is designed for insertion into an external auditory canal and that has a proximal side (12) and a distal side (14) opposite the proximal side (12). has, wherein the proximal side (12) is designed to align with an eardrum, - on the proximal side (12) of the housing (10) a proximal input transducer (16) and on the distal side (14) of the housing (10) has a distal input transducer (18), - has an output transducer (20) on the proximal side (12) of the housing, - has an adjustable vent (22) that passes through the housing (10), and - a control and evaluation unit ( 24), wherein an adjustment process for adjusting the vent (22) is carried out and in the course of the adjustment process a set of transfer functions is determined by means of the control and evaluation unit (24), which has at least two transfer functions, namely - a distal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the distal input transducer (18), and - a proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the proximal input transducer (16). Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the set of transfer functions comprises a first distal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the distal input transducer (18) with the vent (22) fully open, and a second distal transfer function that represents a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the distal Input converter (18) with the vent (22) completely closed. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the set of transfer functions comprises a first proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the proximal input transducer (16) with the vent (22) fully open, and a second proximal transfer function that represents a signal path from the output transducer (20) to the proximal Input converter (16) with the vent (22) completely closed. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the set of transfer functions comprises a distal-proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the distal input transducer (18) to the proximal input transducer (16). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the set of transfer functions has a first distal-proximal transfer function that maps a signal path from the distal input transducer (18) to the proximal input transducer (16) with the vent (22) fully open, and a second distal-proximal transfer function that represents a signal path from the distal Input transducer (18) to the proximal input transducer (16) with the vent (22) completely closed. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein in the course of the setting process a control signal is generated by means of the control and evaluation unit (24) based on the set of transfer functions and a setting device (26) of the vent (22) is controlled by this control signal, so that the setting Device (26) automatically sets at least one geometric parameter of the vent (22). Procedure according to Claim 6 , wherein at least three settings can be specified with the setting device (26) of the vent (22), namely a setting in which the vent (22) is completely open, a setting in which the vent (22) is completely closed, and at least one setting in which the vent (22) is partially open. Procedure according to one of the Claims 6 until 7 , wherein a reference function is predetermined for each transfer function in the set of transfer functions and a control signal is generated in the course of the setting process by means of the control and evaluation unit (24) in such a way that the transfer functions approach their reference functions. Procedure according to Claim 8 , whereby the recruitment process is designed as a regular process. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , whereby several setting processes are carried out automatically and the time intervals between the setting processes are automatically adapted to an energy consumption control. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , whereby the hiring process is started manually. Hearing aid (2) designed and set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims in at least one operating mode.

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